The 32-year-old Chilean succeeded Lars Bender as captain in the summer of 2020 and led the team onto the pitch last season. "I was proud to wear the armband," said Aránguiz. "But I noticed over the course of the season that I can help the team more if I completely focus on my performance on the pitch. That's why I made the post of captain available. Of course, I will continue in a leadership role and give my full support to Lukas."
Hradecky joined the Werkself from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018 and has made 127 appearances for Bayer 04 so far. "Lukas is not only an outstanding goalkeeper but also a complete professional who has a very conscientious approach to his game," said Gerardo Seoane. "On top of that, he has a very positive presence, communicates well and is happy to accept responsibility."
The new captain is looking forward to the challenge. "The team has become very close to my heart in the past few years. And I really identify with the club," said the 31-year-old Finland international. "We have ambitious targets for next season. My teammates and I will give our all to achieve them."
Julian Baumgartlinger, Jonathan Tah and Charles Aránguiz are the vice-captains.
Werkself captains since 1996:
Jens Nowotny: 1996-2003
Carsten Ramelow: 2003-2008
Simon Rolfes: 2008-2015
Lars Bender: 2015-2020
Charles Aránguiz: 2020-2021
Lukas Hradecky: From 2021
From the 2027/28 season, the Women’s Bundesliga will be organised by an independent league association. Following the unanimous decision taken at the DFB Bundestag (national conference) on Friday afternoon, the league’s separation from the DFB is now official.
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A special visit to the BayArena: 222 members from volunteer fire brigades in Leverkusen, the Rheinisch-Bergisch district and the Oberbergisch district watched the Werkself’s 2–0 home win over Slovenian champions NK Celje live in the stadium. Bayer 04 had invited them to the 2026/27 Europa League opener as a thank-you for their tremendous dedication. They watched the match together in Block F4.
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